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Academy of the Arts Blog

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Triple Threat: One Man’s Artistic Journey Through Creative Responsibility

Tell It to Our Hearts

Making an Impact

Call My Agent

Star Turn

Children of Eden in Chicago – a Heavenly Experience

Two Academy of the Arts students were not only chosen to take part in the recent Broadway in Chicago performance of Children of Eden, but they also got to meet its creator, the legendary Stephen Schwartz.

Main & Luxe

Naperville is known for its rich, artistic culture, with outlets for theater, fine arts, and music alike. However, for those looking for training in the performance arts, the closest options reside in the city. Enter the Academy of the Arts — a nonprofit educational institution that serves the Naperville area, coupling high-level arts and high-achieving academics. […]

Academy of the Arts launches 500 for 100 Challenge

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Meet Broadway’s Samantha Pauly

As 14-year-old Joshua Sanchez prepares to start high school, he took time out to interview one of his biggest idols, Samantha Pauly. The Naperville student is a massive fan of the hit show Six the Musical, so was thrilled to speak to her majesty Katherine Howard via Zoom.

Triple Threat: One Man’s Artistic Journey Through Creative Responsibility

Our Studio classes give students a taste of what’s to come when we open our Academy, but in an after school setting. They enjoy dance, acting, improvisation and writing. In our Exploring a Career in the Arts through Writing course, students practiced interview techniques before getting the opportunity to interview some of their idols over Zoom. Thirteen-year-old Maya Meschi from Naperville was thrilled to interview triple threat James T. Lane just before he opened in his own one man show off-Broadway. Like James Maya loves to dance, act and write, so who knows, one day she may be a triple threat herself!

Back to the Future

While young people planning a future career in dance are looking forward, experienced dancer and teacher Fana Tesfagiorgis knows that one day they’ll look back and see how far they’ve come. The Alvin Ailey artist talks about her career path while offering some advice to those about to put their best foot forward.

Triple Threat: One Man’s Artistic Journey Through Creative Responsibility

Our Studio classes give students a taste of what’s to come when we open our Academy, but in an after school setting. They enjoy dance, acting, improvisation and writing. In our Exploring a Career in the Arts through Writing course, students practiced interview techniques before getting the opportunity to interview some of their idols over Zoom. Thirteen-year-old Maya Meschi from Naperville was thrilled to interview triple threat James T. Lane just before he opened in his own one man show off-Broadway. Like James Maya loves to dance, act and write, so who knows, one day she may be a triple threat herself!

Back to the Future

While young people planning a future career in dance are looking forward, experienced dancer and teacher Fana Tesfagiorgis knows that one day they’ll look back and see how far they’ve come. The Alvin Ailey artist talks about her career path while offering some advice to those about to put their best foot forward.

Academy of the Arts to launch first classes

A private school focused on the performing and visual arts will begin after-school classes this fall on the CityGate Centre campus at Interstate 88 and Route 59 in Naperville. Dylan Ladd, one of the founders of the Academy of the Arts, said programs will roll out progressively, with a goal of being fully open by […]

Meet Broadway’s Samantha Pauly

As 14-year-old Joshua Sanchez prepares to start high school, he took time out to interview one of his biggest idols, Samantha Pauly. The Naperville student is a massive fan of the hit show Six the Musical, so was thrilled to speak to her majesty Katherine Howard via Zoom.

Triple Threat: One Man’s Artistic Journey Through Creative Responsibility

Our Studio classes give students a taste of what’s to come when we open our Academy, but in an after school setting. They enjoy dance, acting, improvisation and writing. In our Exploring a Career in the Arts through Writing course, students practiced interview techniques before getting the opportunity to interview some of their idols over Zoom. Thirteen-year-old Maya Meschi from Naperville was thrilled to interview triple threat James T. Lane just before he opened in his own one man show off-Broadway. Like James Maya loves to dance, act and write, so who knows, one day she may be a triple threat herself!

Star Turn

Why two-time Tony nominee Rob McClure says Broadway should be a stop on the journey, not the final destination.

Art and Soul

As the Director of Arts DuPage, Debbie Venezia is a champion for the arts, dedicated to sharing the county’s vibrant cultural environment with residents and visitors alike. She believes art plays an important role in academic studies but is saddened that it is the first area to get cut in tough economic times.

Children and Art

Immersive art may sound like something new, but it’s been around in different forms for years. From Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George to a new children’s exhibit at the DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville, it’s a great way to strengthen our connection to all kinds of artists.